Night Economy Revitalises Xijiang Thousand-Household Miao Village in Guizhou

Leishan, Guizhou – As dusk falls across the Miaoling Mountains, thousands of stilted houses in Xijiang Thousand-Household Miao Village light up like a sky full of stars. In Leishan County, Guizhou Province, the night economy is injecting vibrant momentum into this ancient Miao settlement, blending ethnic heritage with modern consumption trends to reshape its tourism landscape.

Nestled in the mountains, Xijiang is the world’s largest and best-preserved Miao village. Its night-time transformation hinges on a diversified industrial ecosystem. At the core are cultural performances, most notably the upgraded large-scale live-action musical poem Ang O Sang. Revised for 2026, the show integrates traditional Miao rituals with holographic technology and advanced lighting, delivering an immersive audiovisual spectacle that highlights the ethnic group’s history and artistry. Alongside it, Beautiful Xijiang and other folk dance performances run nightly, drawing crowds with live singing and dance.

Night-time consumption extends far beyond performances. Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) experiences have become a signature draw. The village hosts over 200 travel photography studios, where visitors rent Miao costumes and pose against the illuminated stilted houses, with daily visitor numbers reaching 8,000 during peak seasons. ICH markets buzz with silversmithing, batik, and embroidery demonstrations, allowing tourists to create handcrafted souvenirs. Culinary experiences such as long-table banquets feature local specialties like sour fish soup, blending taste with cultural interaction.

Digital empowerment underpins the village’s night-time expansion. The AI Tour Xijiang platform offers intelligent navigation and interactive services, while smart ticketing systems streamline entry. These technologies enhance visitor experience and support efficient operation of night-time businesses.

According to local data, Xijiang received 2.203 million visitors during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, with total tourism spending reaching 239.82 million yuan, representing year-on-year growth of 12.96% and 10.17% respectively. The village now has more than 600 homestays, 700 catering outlets, and 70 silverware shops, with tourism serving as the primary income source for local residents.

As part of Guizhou’s broader Colourful Night Guizhou initiative, Xijiang’s night economy aligns with regional efforts to integrate ethnic culture and tourism. Future plans focus on deeper cultural integration, further technological upgrades, and expanded industrial linkages, solidifying the village’s position as a leading ethnic cultural night-time tourism destination.

In Xijiang, the night is no longer a pause in the day but a vibrant extension of cultural vitality. The lights of the thousand households illuminate both the ancient charm of the Miao people and the dynamic potential of ethnic tourism in Guizhou.